Report: Next Hyundai Genesis to be Available with AWD

Hyundai has just confirmed that the next generation Hyundai Genesis will receive an option for all-wheel drive, after seeing that nearly half of BMW sedans in the US are ordered with AWD.

“We do have a plan to fix that (the current lack of an AWD option for the Genesis sedan) with the next major model change,” said Hyundai’s CEO, John Krafcik...
Additionally, since the new 5.0L V8-powered R-Spec model has just been released, a source within Hyundai said that the offering of two distinct V8s—the standard 4.6L and the top-end 5.0L—is an “unusual practice.” Hyundai has an initiative to simplify the number of buildable configurations, mostly to keep customers from getting confused, something that we’ve seen with other cars such as Volkswagen and Chevrolet.

It is unconfirmed, but the source said that the next generation’s Genesis may consolidate its V8 options by offering only a 5.0L Tau V8, but one that is detuned for the base V8 model and one that is the normal 5.0L Tau V8 found in the current Genesis R-Spec.

[Source: Inside Line]

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2012 Hyundai Sonata Facelifted in South Korea (UPDATED)

New images added after the jump!

Hyundai has blessed the South Korean market version of its Sonata mid-size sedan with its very first mild facelift. Just don’t blink because you may very well miss it.

The light cosmetic surgery on the outside brings a revamped front grille with a little bit less chrome on top and around the sides, plus new LED taillights at the back, reshaped mirror casings and a fresh choice of alloy wheel designs including a set of 18-inch multispoke rims.

There are some mild tweaks inside, namely the new trim options, higher quality materials, the addition of LED spot lights and improved standard equipment throughout the range.

In South Korea, while the Sonata continues with the 165-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder unit, matched to a manual gearbox or an automatic transmission, for the 2012MY, Hyundai replaced the 2.4-liter gasoline engine with the more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged four-pot rated at 271-horses.

Hyundai did not say when or if the styling changes will pass on to the international market version of the Sonata, but we promise to act surprised if the U.S. model receives a similar refresh within the next 12 months.




[Source: Hyundai]

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Kia "TAM" Box Car Interior Spied for the First Time

More images after the jump!

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Kia Sweeps Design Awards in New Automotive Brand Contest

Kia Motors is one of the big winners at the first ever Automotive Brand Contest which was organized by the German Design Council. The judge panel declared Kia Motors the worthy winner in four categories. Three kia models were picked as winners for the exterior category, including the compact Sportage SUV, the forthcoming Rio (on sale from September 2011) and the all new Kia Optima (above). Kia was also ranked ‘Best of Best’ in the brand design category, where strategy and focus of the brand’s overall design is rated.

Peter Schreyer, Kia’s chief designer said, “We are all exceedingly proud that Kia Motors has done so well in this new competition, which is very important within the automotive industry. By changing our basic design focus, we have given our brand a face, a distinctive identity.“

[Source: Kia]

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Kia Reunites Joyride Characters for 2012 Sorento Ad (w/VIDEO)

Though not as successful as their music-loving hamster counterparts, Kia’s oddball cast of life-size children's characters from last year’s Joyride commercials are back for a new advertising campaign.

Muno, Sock Monkey, MR. X, the vintage robot and teddy bear will star in two new 30-second TV spots for the 2012 Sorento CUV. As with the original campaign, "Joyride 2" was created by David&Goliath, KMA's advertising agency of choice. The first commercial begins airing today and will be followed up by the second spot next month.

"The Sorento has been Kia's best-selling vehicle in the U.S. every month since arriving in showrooms in January 2010 thanks in large part to the immense popularity of the original 'Joyride Dream' campaign," said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing & communications, KMA.

"In just its second model year, the 2012 Sorento delivers significant performance and efficiency improvements as well as new convenience features that meet the ever-changing needs of today's consumers, and bringing back the popular 'Joyride' crew allows us to continue our momentum in a fun and entertaining way," Sprague concluded.



[Source: Kia]

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Hyundai Overtakes Honda, Toyota for Top Spot in Brand Loyalty

Kelley Blue Book announced today that Hyundai has taken the number 1 spot in brand loyalty, beating out Honda and Toyota, on kbb.com for Q2 2011. Automakers have struggled recently to retain loyal customers due to the economic downturn and consumers becoming more aware of issues such as fuel prices and safety recalls.

Hyundai has remained successful through aggressive marketing campaigns combined with innovative product redesigns like the successful Sonata and Elantra. In the second quarter of 2011, Hyundai’s brand loyalty was at 52.3 percent while Honda followed with 49.7 percent and Toyota came in third at 47.7 percent. Kia and Mini are the only two brands that have gained loyalty year-over-year, thanks to attractive redesigns and additional models within their respective lineups coupled to aggressive marketing campaigns.

“Hyundai’s product renaissance is benefitting the company not just by attracting an all-new customer base, but by helping them to retain current loyal Hyundai owners, as well,” said Arthur Henry, market intelligence manager for Kelley Blue Book. ”This latest brand loyalty analysis from kbb.com is a testament to the power of attractive vehicle designs and intriguing marketing in the minds of in-market car shoppers as they consider their next vehicle.”

[Source: Kelley Blue Book]

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Hyundai and Kia Boost U.S. Sales Target for 2011

Yesterday, Hyundai Motor Group said it is expecting to raise its U.S auto sales by 18.2 percent this year to 1.06 million vehicles, an improvement from a previous target of 1.01 million.

Hyundai would to sell 624,000 units and Kia with 433,000 in the U.S. Both South Korean automakers are experiencing fast growth in the U.S market with a combined share reaching 10.1 percent as of May from 7.7 percent in 2010 and 3.3 percent in 2001. The launch of the Hyundai Veloster and the Kia Rio subcompact in the U.S are to help maintain the sales momentum of both companies.

Chung Mong-Koo, charman of the Hyundai Motor Group, announced the sales increase while visiting the U.S, which may be linked to the possible construction of a second plant to meet booming demand in the world’s second- largest auto market.

[Source: Reuters]

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